Bangladesh’s minority communities, particularly Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, are living in escalating fear as targeted communal violence intensifies in the lead-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP) issued a stark press release on January 6, highlighting a sharp rise in attacks and warning that minorities may be unable to vote freely.
The council reported at least 51 incidents of violence against minorities in December 2025 alone. These include 10 murders, 10 incidents of theft and robbery, 23 cases of occupation, looting and arson involving homes, business establishments, temples and land, four cases of detention and torture on false allegations of religious blasphemy and being agents of the RAW, one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault.
The violence has persisted into the new year, with several brutal incidents in the first week of January.
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On January 2, paddy crops on land belonging to Satyaranjan Das in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were set ablaze. The next day, businessman Khokon Chandra Das was hacked and burned to death in Shariatpur. Robberies occurred at the homes of Milon Das in Chattogram and Sanu Das in Cumilla, where families were held hostage and valuables—including gold, silver, and cash—were stolen.
January 4 saw the looting of approximately 30 bhori of gold from trader Shubho Poddar’s shop, alongside the horrific rape and torture of a 40-year-old Hindu widow in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah—she was tied to a tree, her head shaved, and severely beaten. Extremists also demanded the removal of Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Annapurna Debnath, labeling her an ISKCON member and ally of the previous government for fulfilling her election duties.
On January 5, ice factory owner Rana Pratap Bairagi was publicly shot and had his throat slit in Manirampur, Jashore, while grocery shop owner Moni Chakraborty was stabbed to death in Palash, Narsingdi.
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The Oikya Parishad’s Central Committee expressed “deep anger, concern, and strong condemnation” over these attacks, stating that minorities nationwide are gripped by uncertainty and apprehension about the upcoming polls. The group alleges that communal elements are deliberately targeting minorities to intimidate them and prevent them from voting for preferred candidates.
Acting General Secretary Manindra Kumar Nath urged the interim government and the Election Commission to take “immediate and effective measures” to halt the violence and ensure safe, unobstructed voting.
The surge comes amid Bangladesh’s political transition following the 2024 ouster of the previous government, with rights groups noting a pattern of targeted attacks on religious minorities in recent months. As the election approaches, concerns mount over whether vulnerable communities can participate without fear.
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